A recent report from Dell Computers and Institute for the Future shared a bold fact: 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 have yet to be invented.
But that may seem like familiar territory for Indianapolis-based podcast network audiochuck. They are setting the standard for media and innovation in an industry nobody could imagine less than a generation ago.
Beginning with Crime Junkie, her marquee podcast, audiochuck Founder and CEO Ashley Flowers has redefined success in the still-young medium. What started as a few episodes has become a hit series generating millions of weekly downloads.
While true crime is a focal point, it is not the network’s sole focus. A passion for advocacy is at the heart of everything the organization does. audiochuck displays that passion through its storytelling hailed for accuracy, respect for those involved and educational value.
Alongside their own good deeds, audiochuck encourages listeners to get involved, including work that has supported new forensic advancements. Through these efforts, they ensure their content informs and empowers their audience to take meaningful action.
audiochuck frequently donates to causes that impact public health and safety. An example is when they used their merchandise revenue to give to the DNA Doe Project, a group that uses “investigative genetic genealogy” to identify unidentified deceased persons — John and Jane Does —
as part of current or historic criminal investigations. After the donation, the DNA Doe Project identified both Pamela Buckley and James Freund, whose stories were featured in the Crime Junkie episode “Unidentified: Sumpter County Does.”
audiochuck supports non-profits locally and worldwide; in recent years, they have focused on helping those affected by domestic violence, healthcare access, housing instability and food insecurity.
“When I founded audiochuck, I knew I wanted to stay in Indiana,” said founder Ashley Flowers. “It has been incredible to be able to give back to our local community and watch our employees give back to causes they are passionate about. We have been so fortunate to be able to tell stories that affect change around the world while also honoring our roots and giving back to Indiana in ways that make a tangible impact.”
Each year, audiochuck offers an endowment to an organization within this scope; recent recipients include:
- Coburn Place, providing safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence
- Gennesaret Free Clinics, providing quality healthcare regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay
- Horizon House, supporting those experiencing homelessness with comprehensive services
These endowment recipients highlight the shared core values of audiochuck and Women’s Fund, as Coburn Place and Gennesaret Free Clinic were both 2022 grant recipients of Women’s Fund annual grant round.
While they exist in very different industries, both audiochuck and Women’s Fund share at least one uniting principle: to give all women a voice.
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana was grateful to have audiochuck as its Event Champion for the 2023 Power of Women event. With their support, we were able to host American Track & Field Olympian, Allyson Felix in conversation with Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings. We are grateful to have their support again as we welcome civil rights icon Ruby Bridges for the 2024 Power of Women event.
Through storytelling, philanthropy and community partnerships, audiochuck and Ashley Flowers are fostering a world where women’s stories are more visible, and their safety is foundational.
This article was published within the August 2024 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
